Statement on Senate passage of SB1 and House Committee approval of Amendment 1 to HB2808

Today’s actions in the Senate and House confirm momentum is building toward fixing our state’s long-broken school funding system this legislative session. The passage today of SB1 is a victory for low-income students across the state and a monumental step forward to a more equitable school funding system in Illinois. HB2808 passed out of committee with bipartisan support, another sign that the state is coalescing around a single funding solution.

Both bills adopt the equity principles we’ve long advocated for: to recognize individual student needs, account for local ability to pay, and close gaps between low-income and wealthier students and keep them closed. Under these bills, no school district loses money, class sizes become smaller for low-income students and transparency of schools is increased. Both bills reflect many of the recommendations of the Governor’s School Funding Reform Commission.

We have never been this close. Now is the time to pass legislation that will ensure every student in Illinois has adequate and fair resources, no matter their zip code. We ask the Senate and House to continue to collaborate and find a bipartisan, bicameral agreement before May 31. Illinois students need a funding fix that will be implemented next school year.

###

Help ensure all Illinois students have a chance to succeed! Sign up for action alerts to learn how you can help.